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Why Being a Milk Mom Could Be the Greatest Gift of All
BreastfeedingBabies

Why Being a Milk Mom Could Be the Greatest Gift of All

by Ally Cohen, Content Creator and Digital Marketer
written by Ally Cohen, Content Creator and Digital Marketer

A milk mom is an unsung hero, quietly changing lives with a gift most of us take for granted. By donating breast milk to human milk banks, these incredible women offer premature and fragile babies the chance to grow stronger and healthier. Every milk mom has a story of love, resilience and generosity, proving that one mum’s milk can ripple out into dozens of tiny lives. It’s a hidden world of everyday heroism you’ll want to know more about.

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Breastfeeding or expressing milk is much more than a feeding choice, and it carries deep significance. In South Africa, where exclusive breastfeeding rates remain low and many mothers face structural and social challenges, being a “milk mom” can feel like a gift: a gift of nourishment, connection, identity, and hope.

1. The Physical Gift: Health & Nutrition

1.1 Why Breast Milk Matters

Breast milk is tailored to your baby’s needs. It delivers not just calories and macro‑nutrients, but also antibodies, immune cells, enzymes, hormones, and beneficial microbes – elements essential for protection and development. The World Health Organization states that breast milk is “ideal” for infants, supplying all required nutrients in the early months and continuing to provide benefits beyond. In South Africa, breastfeeding is often framed as a first line of defence in child health, especially in contexts where infections, malnutrition or limited access to clean water may pose extra risk, according to UNICEF.

1.2 Benefits for the Baby

Through breastfeeding or receiving human milk, infants gain:

  • Lower risk of diarrhoeal and respiratory infections
  • Better gut health and microbiome development
  • Reduced incidence of ear infections and urinary infections
  • Protection during illness and better resilience
  • Long‑term gains in cognitive development and reduced risk of obesity and metabolic conditions 

In the South African context, where malnutrition and infection remain significant public health concerns, these benefits carry extra weight. 

1.3 Benefits for the Mother

Giving breast milk also gives back to the mother’s health:

  • Hormonal release (oxytocin) helps the uterus contract and reduces postpartum bleeding
  • Possible reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer
  • Lowered risk of type 2 diabetes and improved metabolic health
  • Fewer days off work caring for a sick child, since breastfed babies tend to have fewer illnesses

Moreover, breastfeeding can reduce healthcare costs for both families and the nation. For example, fewer hospital visits or treatments for infants with infection means a lower burden on caregivers and health systems, as per the University of Pretoria.

Why Being a Milk Mom Could Be the Greatest Gift of All

2. The Emotional Gift: Bonding, Identity & Well‑Being

2.1 Deep Connection Through Feeding

When you breastfeed or feed expressed milk, each feed becomes a moment of closeness. Skin‑to‑skin contact, eye contact, the rhythm of sucking and responsive holding all enhance bonding. The hormone oxytocin, released during milk let‑down and nipple stimulation, strengthens emotional connection, trust and relaxation between mother and baby. In many mothers’ stories, feeding becomes a sacred pause, a time to slow, attune and feel present with their child.

2.2 Confidence, Purpose & Maternal Identity

Being able to feed your baby and to commit to that despite challenges can foster a strong sense of competence, pride and maternal identity. Mothers often describe overcoming obstacles (latching, supply, fatigue) as victories that build self‑belief. In a society where mothers often juggle multiple roles, being a milk mom can root a sense of meaning and purpose in the daily act of giving nourishment.

2.3 Emotional Health & Mood Support

While breastfeeding is not a guaranteed safeguard against postpartum depression, it may support mood in several ways:

  • The hormonal milieu (oxytocin, prolactin) can exert calming effects
  • Feeling in sync with your baby, being responsive, and having regular moments of connection may buffer stress
  • Successfully reaching feeding goals, or simply acknowledging your effort, can bolster self‑esteem

However, it’s essential to recognise that many mothers who breastfeed still struggle with mood, anxiety, fatigue or emotional strain. The emotional gift does not erase the real challenges.

3. Giving Beyond Yourself: Milk Donation & Community Impact

3.1 What Is Milk Donation?

Milk donation refers to providing expressed breast milk (typically screened, processed, pasteurised) to human milk banks or neonatal units. This allows babies whose mothers cannot produce enough milk or are medically fragile to benefit from human milk. In South Africa, there are a number of breast milk banks associated with hospitals or public health initiatives. Some are led by research or paediatric centres with ties to experts in HIV, nutrition and infant health. 

3.2 The Ripple Effect of Donated Milk

When you donate milk, you extend the gift of life and health to babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), premature infants, or infants whose mothers are unable to produce sufficient milk. That milk can lessen the risk of life‑threatening conditions like necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. As a “milk mom donor,” your gift can become a community resource: it supports vulnerable infants, reduces health inequities and strengthens solidarity among mothers.

3.3 Normalising Breastfeeding Culture

Every mother who breastfeeds, expresses, or donates milk contributes to shifting norms. In South Africa, formula marketing and weak enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of Breast‑milk Substitutes remain challenges, according to PubMed Central (PMC). By embodying the practice, you help friends, family, health workers and future generations see human milk provision as natural and powerful.

4. Realities & Challenges Faced by South African Milk Moms

To fully appreciate the gift, we must also acknowledge the obstacles many mothers confront.

4.1 Low Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates

According to BioMed Central, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates are notably low in South Africa. Only about 32 % of infants are exclusively breastfed at 6 months. 

Factors contributing to this include:

  • Easy access to formula and aggressive marketing by formula companies (violations of the Code). 
  • Historical and current policies around HIV and infant feeding, which have sown confusion. 
  • Early discharge from the hospital before breastfeeding is well established (sometimes 6 hours after birth in an uncomplicated vaginal delivery). 
  • Pressures from work, lack of maternity protection, unsupportive workplaces. 
  • Cultural beliefs, lack of support, family influences and misinformation. 

4.2 Health System Constraints & Support Gaps

Many mothers report inconsistent counselling, varied skills among health workers, contradictory messages and weak follow‑up, as per PMC. Because mothers are often discharged early, ongoing support must shift to community, home visits and peer groups, but often those supports are under‑resourced.

4.3 HIV, Breastfeeding, and Risk Perception

South Africa’s HIV epidemic adds a layer of complexity. Although current guidelines support breastfeeding when the mother is on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), past policies and fears still influence decision‑making. For many mothers, anxiety about HIV transmission, stigma or confusion persists. That can deter exclusive breastfeeding or reduce duration.

4.4 Practical and Personal Barriers

Mothers often face:

  • Latching problems, nipple pain, engorgement, mastitis
  • Concerns about supply or oversupply
  • Sleep deprivation, fatigue, emotional overwhelm
  • Limited privacy or space to express milk (especially if returning to work)
  • Emotional guilt or pressure if breastfeeding doesn’t go as planned

These challenges are real and deserve validation, empathy and support.

ALSO READ: Missed It? All Your Questions Answered from Our Breastfeeding Workshop

Why Being a Milk Mom Could Be the Greatest Gift of All

5. Practical Tips & Encouragement for Milk Moms

If you’re striving to be a milk mom, whether breastfeeding, expressing  or donating, these ideas may help:

  • Seek support early and often: connect with La Leche League South Africa or local lactation consultants. 
  • Start feeding as soon as possible: early initiation within an hour supports bonding and supply
  • Skin‑to‑skin (kangaroo care): help the baby’s feeding cues and comfort
  • Expressing & storing: learn proper hygiene, storage, and handling practices
  • Pump breaks at work: advocate for lactation rooms or flexible breaks
  • Nutrition & rest: ensure you care for your body. Hydrate, eat well and rest when possible
  • Ask for help: from partners, family, community
  • Consider donating milk: if and when you have surplus, look into hospital milk banks
  • Patience & self‑compassion: progress may be uneven; celebrate small wins

Conclusion

Being a milk mom in South Africa is a gift in every sense. It nourishes your baby, supports your health, deepens emotional bonds and has the power to reach beyond your own child through donation and cultural change. It’s not always an easy gift, as the landscape of low breastfeeding rates, health system limitations, social pressures, and personal strain is real. If you are or aspire to be a milk mom, know this: your effort matters. Your milk is precious. Whether you feed exclusively, combine with expressed milk, or choose to donate, you are participating in a powerful act of care, resilience and hope.

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Chronic Illness and Your Child: Emotional, Social and Physical Effects
Children's HealthExpertsSchool-Age ChildrenToddler HealthToddlers

Expert Chronic Illness and Your Child: Emotional, Social and Physical Effects

by Dr Maraschin, expert paediatrician
written by Dr Maraschin, expert paediatrician

Understanding the effects of chronic illnesses on a child’s emotional, social and physical development is essential for any parent or caregiver. Chronic illnesses can influence confidence, friendships, learning and physical activity, shaping how a child experiences the world. By exploring and understanding the effects of chronic illnesses on a child’s emotional, social and physical development, we can provide the support and strategies they need to flourish, writes Dr Maraschin, expert paediatrician.

The typical cold, tummy bug or seasonal flu is all part and parcel of childhood. We expect these in young children, while their immune systems are developing. Generally, these acute illnesses pass without too much fuss. Your child will be well and happy within a few days. Unfortunately, about 20% of children worldwide suffer from what we call chronic illnesses. These are illnesses which need long-term medical treatment to keep the child healthy and to ensure the child’s quality of life is maintained. Such illnesses impact these children on a physical level but also emotionally and socially.

Why is this?

When my daughter was in grade one, her class was going on an outing to the fire station. Each child was asked to bring a “Bar One” chocolate for the fireman. Fabulous advertising for the 25-hour day of firefighters, but it caused me and my daughter some trauma. I couldn’t find a Bar One in the hospital vending machine, so I bought a chocolate pretty similar. My daughter was devastated. She no longer wanted to go on the outing. In fact, she cried all the way to school. Her chocolate was different to all the other children. She wanted to be the same as her peers.

As her teacher explained, being like her classmates was part of her desire to fit in, to be accepted and to avoid feeling awkward. My extremely shy child was trying her best to blend in, which was all part of normal social development. The different chocolates certainly didn’t support this need.

I use this as a simple example to demonstrate the effect that being different has on a child. Imagine the child with a chronic illness like asthma. This child may not be able to participate in sports during a flare-up. The diabetic child has to have a strict diet and regular injections. The child with eczema may have a nasty rash or even areas that bleed. Other children may ask questions about the child’s differences out of curiosity, empathy or teasing. Not only are these sufferers coping with difficult physical challenges, but they may also suffer emotionally and socially as a result of being different.

Let’s take a look at some of the common chronic illnesses we are referring to and how they impact these children:

We can all imagine the effects that one of the “big” chronic illnesses, like heart disease or a kidney disorder, has on children. These are devastating for the sufferer and make normal life very different to that of a healthy child. There are some chronic illnesses that affect children deeply but may go under the radar since we don’t recognise the severity of their impact on a child’s overall well-being. These include:

  1. Allergies – Allergies to food, grass, bees, medicines, hay fever and so on are very common these days. These children may suffer from sneezing, runny eyes, rashes, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, even anaphylaxis. Allergy sufferers spend many days feeling unwell and tired, which impacts their concentration at school. These children may be affected physically since their sleep is often disrupted, nutrition may not be optimal, and their ability to participate in physical activities may be limited. Over and above this, children with allergies often have anxiety about getting ill or being exposed to an allergen. Unfortunately, children who have allergies often become the subject of bullying because they are different. This leads to social isolation and difficulty with friendships.
  2. Asthma – This is a respiratory condition that affects a child’s breathing. These children have episodes of wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. It is usually triggered by allergies but may also be a result of infection, exercise or exposure to irritants like smoke. To manage asthma, these children require medication and lifestyle modifications. They often suffer anxiety, depression and social isolation. They are often fearful of everyday activities that may trigger an attack. A child who may not participate fully in sports or outdoor activities may develop poor self-esteem due to their limitations. Even if asthma is one of the most common chronic illnesses in children and treatment has dramatically improved their lifestyle, we need to be aware of the impacts on the child.
  3. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) – This disorder affects a child’s ability to concentrate, to control impulses, to complete tasks, manage time and to prioritise. Since these children don’t appear “sick”, the condition often leads to them being labelled as naughty, disruptive and undisciplined. Children with ADHD are often sidelined by their peers because of their behaviour. The condition makes it difficult to manage their emotions, and they often experience intense reactions to situations. This makes it hard on peers as well. School work and staying put in a chair are really tough for these children, and over the long term, these children develop poor self-esteem as a result of the complexity of the disorder. Feelings of inadequacy and depression often stem from poor self-esteem. Medication, educational support and behavioural therapy are really important to manage the effects of the disorder.
  4. Obesity – I mention this here as childhood obesity is one of the biggest challenges facing our children worldwide. Obesity is not just the cute little child who reminds us of the cherubs with angel wings and plump thighs. It is a serious health issue that leads to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases. Obese children can’t play and run, and climb like other children. They find themselves isolated on the playground and are soft targets for bullies. All of these factors place the obese child at risk for increased mental disorders like anxiety and depression. The thing with obesity is that it can be managed. It isn’t easy to change bad eating habits and inactivity. If we acknowledge the effects of the associated chronic illnesses on these children, then the efforts of treating obesity far outweigh a life of disease.

There are other chronic illnesses, including diabetes, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, arthritis, cancer and HIV, to name but a few. These illnesses mean that sufferers undergo years of medical intervention to manage their health challenges. I am not going to explain each one of these in depth, as the point of this blog is to make us all aware that these health challenges affect more than the child’s physical wellbeing. The emotional and social effects are just as significant. From the illnesses mentioned above, there is a common thread that runs through each one. While the diseases may be completely different, their effect on the child’s self-worth and sense of belonging remains constant.

CHECK OUT: Printable Baby Illness Logbook for Doctor Visits Made Simple

Chronic Illness and Your Child: Emotional, Social and Physical Effects

Conclusion

One of the major reasons for wanting to be a paediatrician before anything else was due to my utmost respect for children and their tenacity. Despite being very ill and subjected to ongoing medical interventions, they bounce back, smile, race around the ward pulling a drip stand behind them and give the adults in their worlds a reason to get up each day.

Having said this, we can’t ignore the fact that these children may have been traumatised by the medical treatments and the social effects of being different.

A case in point is a cystic fibrosis sufferer. Currently, a person with cystic fibrosis has a life expectancy of 30 years. This used to be 5 years. Yes, these ill children are growing up and making it into the adult world. We are so grateful to modern medicine for making it so. The survival of these individuals has also brought with it a better understanding of how these illnesses may affect children as they progress through teenage years and into adult life. It gives us great opportunities to support these children as they navigate life’s choices. An individual with a severe chronic illness may have less independence or have to choose a career that is less physically demanding. These limitations may have consequences on the individual, not only in childhood but for many years to come.

If you have a child with any kind of ongoing medical issue, then it is important that you put measures in place to support your child as they pass through each phase of growing up. Make it your goal to enlighten those around you. The school can help with the education of peers to ensure that the community is supportive, and you can seek the guidance of professionals trained in the psychosocial needs of children with chronic illnesses. This way we can support these brave individuals on all levels – physically, emotionally and socially.

References

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The value of outdoor play as a way to manage obesity, anxiety and behavioural issues
Pre-schoolersChildren's HealthExperts

Expert The Value of Outdoor Play in Managing Obesity and Anxiety

by Dr Maraschin, expert paediatrician
written by Dr Maraschin, expert paediatrician

The value of outdoor play as a way to manage obesity, anxiety, and behavioural issues is often underestimated, writes Dr Maraschin, an expert paediatrician. In today’s digital age, many children spend hours indoors, leading to health concerns like obesity and mental health struggles such as anxiety. However, simply stepping outside can be a game-changer. Outdoor play allows children to be active, social, and engaged, providing both physical exercise and emotional relief. These activities can help manage obesity by promoting movement, reducing anxiety by calming the mind, and addressing behavioural issues through natural, unstructured play.

The statement “the value of outdoor play as a way to manage obesity, anxiety and behavioural issues” is being found more and more in academic papers. In fact, a United Nations Convention, in 2023, reiterated that a child’s right to play is as fundamental as the right to be cared for and to be protected from violence. Our own Children’s Act of 2005 emphasises the rights and well-being of children, including the right to play. Wow, to think that our society has reached a stage where we have to declare play as a right is concerning. I want to stress that they are referring to free play. This means that children need to be allowed and encouraged to play outside, in the sunshine, where their imaginations run wild. Their play must be initiated and directed by themselves without adult interference or excessive supervision. It is not a structured sports activity or extramural.

Why has this concept of play become such an issue?

  1. In the early 1980s, only 7% of children met the criteria for obesity. In 2025, 33% of children in the United States will be obese. In South Africa, 13% of children under 5 years old are obese, and this number jumps to 22% by the time our children are between the ages of 10 and 14 years old. Obesity leads to many long-term, irreversible health issues like diabetes, heart disease and asthma.
  2. Children are spending up to 7 hours a day staring at screens. This can be in the form of a cell phone, laptop, television or tablet. The recommendation from the American Academy of Paediatrics is that children between the ages of 2 and 5 years should have no more than 1 hour of screentime, and children aged 6 to 12 years should have a maximum of 2 hours. Excessive screentime is associated with disturbed sleep patterns, eye strain, obesity, behavioural issues, as well as anxiety and depression.
  3. We know that anxiety and depression are caused by a combination of factors ranging from a genetic predisposition, traumatic events, social pressures and family disruptions. What is of concern is the rise in “toxic” stress. This is where a child is exposed to stress over a prolonged period. In South Africa, this may be as a result of our high crime rates, unemployment, broken homes, excessive academic expectations and a lack of freedom. Children naturally begin to feel unsafe, insecure, overwhelmed and caged in. In fact, the rate of anxiety, depression and suicidality has increased dramatically over the last 10 years. The amount of free play shows a trend in the opposite direction of anxiety and depression. Free play is becoming less and less common, and this awful affliction of anxiety, depression and suicidality has spiked.

All of this is starting to sound a lot like the title of this article. Instead, what is being proposed is something so simple. Provide opportunities for children to play freely outside, and you will be providing the antidote to obesity, anxiety and behavioural issues.

The value of outdoor play as a way to manage obesity, anxiety and behavioural issues

How does free play provide such wonderful benefits to our children?

OBESITY

Have you ever observed children playing outside on the playground?

  • Games usually involve running, climbing, skipping and kicking or catching a ball. Without even realising it, these children are burning calories, thereby promoting a healthy weight.
  • Children in the age group 5 to 17 years need a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. Due to such an increase in screentime, this is often difficult to achieve, but if you get a child outside and allow for free play, studies indicate that they achieve this very easily.
  • Free play and outdoor activities usually require the child to make use of the large muscles. This movement builds muscle, increases the metabolism, improves blood flow and digestion. These are essential to combat obesity, and it’s fun!

ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

The number of children suffering from anxiety and depression has increased dramatically over the last 10 years. There are several reasons for this, including school and extracurricular demands. Getting children outside, into green areas, can have a dramatic effect.

  • A child who is allowed to play on the grass after school has been shown to be able to focus better, manage their emotions and have lower stress levels. Imagine homework after a play session! So much more can be achieved.
  • A study looked at the effect of replacing a tiny piece of asphalt with some grass. The children who played on the grass were way less aggressive and showed increased happiness.
  • A 2019 study found that children in urban areas were at a much higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders. The study showed that children who spent less time in a green space were 55% more likely to develop psychiatric disorders. Even if we live in a city, we need nature to nurture our little ones and ensure good mental health.
  • The Restoration theory states that spending time in nature allows a child to mentally relax. This, in turn, increases the ability to focus and concentrate. Imagine how critical this is for children with ADHD.
  • I am sure you have heard about cortisol. Adults know it as the stress hormone. Unfortunately, this hormone also affects our little ones negatively, especially when they face exams, intense homework loads, strict sports schedules and limited unstructured, free time. Playing outside freely, even for short periods, lowers cortisol levels and, in turn, anxiety. One of the recommended “treatments” for toxic stress is to allow for safe, free play.
  • Children living in urban areas where they have fewer opportunities to get dirty are missing out on a unique, good bacteria found in soil. I know that COVID made many of us germaphobes, but here’s the thing: Mycobacterium vaccae is a friendly bacteria found in soil. Allowing a child to make mud pies, plant seeds and get grubby will expose the child to the happy bacterium. This alters serotonin levels in the brain, improving the child’s mood and making him or her more resilient to stress.

BEHAVIOURAL ISSUES

When we talk about behavioural issues, we are referring to those children who constantly cause chaos at school, home or in social settings. This behaviour negatively impacts the child’s relationships and impacts a child’s ability to succeed at school. Many children with ADHD and the associated disorders do often have behavioural issues, but we are seeing an increasing number of children with behavioural issues that do not fit the criteria for ADHD. Here are some examples of behavioural issues:

  • A child who acts out his or her distress by becoming aggressive, defiant or impulsive.
  • A child who cannot express what he or she is feeling and, as a result, withdraws, becomes anxious or is unable to cope with frustration.
  • A disruptive child usually interferes with others. They are likely to bully, argue, disrupt conversations or refuse to follow instructions and rules.

In 2014, Dr S. Brown (psychiatrist) wrote a paper in which he stressed the consequences of limiting children’s free play. He warned that play deprivation would lead to emotional dysregulation. This means that children who have a tendency toward depression, cannot self-regulate, are more aggressive, have poor impulse control and struggle with interpersonal relationships. In other words, they have behavioural issues. The lack of free play has become a much bigger problem since COVID.

How can free play help?

  • When adults don’t interfere in disagreements, children must find ways to compromise. This also teaches courage, negotiating skills and self-confidence.
  • When playing with peers, a child must learn to wait his or her turn, regulate impulses and control their reactions. This is part of emotional intelligence.
  • When playing freely, children learn to understand others’ feelings, become empathetic and encourage social awareness.
  • Children who engage in quiet play that involves all the senses and physical movement relax. This releases stress and regulates emotions.
  • Studies have shown that unstructured, free play in a green space dramatically improves the concentration and behaviour of even severely ADHD children. A 20-minute walk is just such an activity.

In a nutshell, allowing children to play freely equips them for life. Emotional intelligence and good social skills are key factors in leading a successful adult life.

In our crazy, busy world, where both parents usually work, schools are demanding, and competition gets tougher, it may seem daunting to have yet another thing to do. The beauty of free play, however, is just the opposite. It is providing parents with the opportunity to let go, allowing children to do what they are wired to do and thereby achieving incredible results in their children’s overall well-being. We have discussed obesity, anxiety, depression and behavioural issues. These words were not part of the vocabulary used to describe children 50 years ago. The difference is that childhood used to mean playing outside until you were called in for dinner. Society has changed. Screens are a reality, and urban spaces have made access to green spaces more difficult.

So, how do we get children playing more?

  • Make it a priority that your child has daily opportunities to play freely outdoors.
  • The play doesn’t have to be big and elaborate. If your child isn’t used to playing outdoors, then allow for short opportunities where you are close enough to create a sense of safety but not interfere.
  • Get excited about being outdoors. This doesn’t mean you have to become a triathlete, but you do need to show enthusiasm for getting out into the sunshine. Put your phone away and lead by example.
  • Plan activities that ensure success. A game or activity that involves little movement and a definite outcome won’t keep a child busy for long. Let the child build an obstacle course with the garden chairs or practise balancing on a beam. It is all unpredictable, and the skill can improve with each try.
  • Outdoor play without adult supervision encourages risky play. It is all about chance and fate. This risky play does not mean that we ignore safety measures like bicycle helmets, life jackets and gum guards. It means allowing a child to assess an activity within their comfort level and ability. The child may decide how high he wants to climb or how fast he wants to ride that little black motorbike down the driveway. Such risky play increases physical abilities. It also has positive effects on mental and socio-emotional health. Allowing children to rough and tumble, race one another and compete informally builds resilience and conflict resolution. It is good for them to push the boundaries and to test their capabilities.
  • Boredom is healthy! It encourages imagination and is the master of creation. Leave the child to explore and invent activities. Make sure that you don’t interrupt the play or try to supervise.
  • Encourage friendships, then set the children free to play. The children will inspire and challenge each other to try harder, climb higher and run faster. Generally, they have way more fun outside if they have someone to play with.
  • Get the cooperation of your child’s school. Discuss the amount of homework versus free time. Assist in building playgrounds. Limit the number of formal extra-murals but ensure that the child then uses the time to play and not to sit in front of the television.

ALSO READ: Encouraging Independence Without Anxiety

Conclusion

In 2014, Dr S Brown sounded the alarm bells on the negative effects that play deficit was having on children. Now, more than a decade later, the situation is getting worse. Three-year-olds are attending maths lessons, pre-schoolers are expected to sit in desks, and children are spending so much time on the couch with devices that they have poor eyesight, posture issues and low tone.

Adults are key to changing all of this. Let the children play. If we do not, then the classic quote from developmental psychologist Brian Sutton-Smith will become synonymous with this generation: “The opposite of play is not work, it is depression”

References

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